I have seen a few similar problems in these forums but not mine exactly. I have a home network with a desktop PC running XP Pro, a laptop running XP Home and another laptop running MCE.Under My Network Places, XP Pro can see itself, and the two laptops and I can access the shared files instantly. XP Home can see itself and XP Pro, but not MCE, and likewise, MCE can see itself and XP Pro, but XP Home. If I go to View Workgroup Computers, all 3 appear in the list no matter which computer I'm on, but if I click on say MCE it literally takes about 3 minutes to appear. Then the shared files are instantly accessable but it takes another 3 minutes to close. This is the same from either laptop, and only marginally faster from the desktop. The Desktop is cabled connected to a wireless modem/router and the laptops are wireless, all using Windows to manage the connection.Why don't all 3 machines appear on each machine and why is the connection so slow via "View Workgroup Computers"?1 person needs an answerI do too

Hi kaygee46,Let’s follow these methods and check if it helps.Method 1If you have any security software installed, disable them temporarily & check if the issue persists.Note: Ensure to enable your anti-virus back on the computer after you check. Method 2You may also run the Network Setup Wizard and check if the issue persists.To start the Network Setup WizardRefer: Description of the Network Setup Wizard in Windows XPHope the information helps. Please post back and let us know.RegardsDebleena SMicrosoft Answers Support EngineerVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

I disabled security completely on all 3 machines and it made no difference.I renamed the workgroup and re-ran the Network Setup Wizard. Still no difference.

Thanks, but all 3 are using Windows Firewall which apparently is automatically set to allow sharing when the Network Wizard is run. From what I can see, this is the case. I believe also that Simple File Sharing is on by default in XP Home, and is again automatically set to on when XP Pro computers are attached to a workgroup. Some threads say to turn off Simple File Sharing but there is no option to do this in XP Home. I have it turned off in XP Pro and MCE. Is this correct?

HiMaybe this can Help.Make sure that the Software Firewall on each computer allows free local traffic. If you use 3rd party Firewall On, Vista/XP Native Firewall should be Off, and the active Firewall has to adjusted to your Network IP numbers on what is some time called the Trusted Zone (consult your 3rd Party Firewall instructionsGeneral example, http://www.ezlan.net/faq#trustedPlease Note that some 3rd party Software Firewalls keep blocking aspects of Local Traffic even it they are turned Off (disabled). If possible configure the Firewall correctly, or totally uninstall it to allow clean flow of local network traffic. If the 3rd party software is uninstalled or disables, make sure that Windows native Firewall is On .Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspxWindows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP -http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357In Win XP pro you can Visually see the Permission/Security setting, and configure them to your liking.http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/learnmore/accesscontrol.mspx#securityTabWhen finished with the setting of the system it is advisable to Reboot all the hardware including the Router and all computers involved.Jack - Microsoft MVP, Windows Networking. WWW.EZLAN.NET

Hi kaygee46,Which security software is installed on your computer?Let’s follow these methods and check if it helps.Method 1If possible, you may try to uninstall the security software by using the software removal tool from the manufacturer’s website in any one of the machine. Thereafter, check if the issue persists.Method 2You may follow these steps and check if the issue persists.a. Open Control Panel > Network and Internet Connection. Click on Network Connection.b. Right click on the Local Area Connection (LAN), click on Properties.c. Click on Install button, select Protocol and click on Add.d. In the Select Network protocol window, select the third protocol and click OK.e. Close the open windows and restart the computer.Hope the information helps. Please post back and let us know.RegardsDebleena SMicrosoft Answers Support EngineerVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.